Liverpool Banter Archive May 29 2016

29 May 2016 17:17:53
After the long awaited return of macca to these pages, be interested to hear people thoughts on the potential sale of the club as macca has stated talks have taken place. I personally think it is a dangerous time to be selling.

FSG are by no means perfect but they did save us from the previous owners, invest in the stadium main stand and at least made some sort of effort with the ticket price fiasco earlier this season, even if it is a bit smoke and mirrors, they at least acknowledged the fans response. They have also not held back when it has come to transfers, we'v spent a hell of a lot just not on the right players.

They are stable and consistent if nothing else. My concern is that the money in the PL is so massive we could gather interest from cowboy owners again or a mike Ashley or randy Lerner type only interested in staying up and not developing, and we know how that worked out for them. If we were still finishing or even consistently challenging for top 4/ top awards I wouldn't be as worried, but the way I see it from our position we can either kick on under Klopp and good ownership, or become lost in the mid table and decline even further.

It's not difficult to do, think Leeds, Notts forest even Newcastle have become a shadow of their former selves. We have been clinging onto a glorious past for too long now, and that past can only carry us so far. What do you guys/ eds think? Am I over worrying with this? Are FSG that bad or is a sale a good thing, and if so, who too? China/ Middle East/ more yanks? Be interesting to hear your thoughts.

Many thanks to the eds as always for the Stella job they do in this site!

Westy.

30 May 2016 00:16:13
Wow another period of uncertainty, its not like we didn't know it was coming. As fortold by ed002 who is uncannily always spot on (mostly) they are looking to cash in following the tv money kicking in. I thought we would get at least a years grace while klopp was able to mould a good team that can compete.

When it happens i will raise a glass to fsg and thank them for saving my club and putting us on a sound footing moving forward. They made mistakes but they have always tried to be a success and bar that idiot we had in charge for 3 yrs they might have pulled it off. i'm with ron, i'm not looking for a sugar daddy, just owners who want to own us for the right reasons and really understand football.

All i can see is a bright future from here on in, buckle up folks its going to be a roller coaster ride, i'm looking forward to it.

30 May 2016 00:33:44
Who put the idiot in charge John?

30 May 2016 06:09:14
I hope they stay on, responsible owners with money to spend each transfer window don't come along too often. The risk is probably more on the downside in seeing a change of owners and for what? The chance of a few extra dollars in transfers? We ourselves have proved that spending on transfers isn't a shortcut to success.

I'd like to see FSG continue with Klopp at the helm for a couple more years at least, but if they do sell then fair play and hope the new owners are a positive influence and continue to see the club stable and moving forward.

30 May 2016 08:37:01
To the OP. Now seems like the perfect time to sell the club. We have a new stand, new TV money, raised profile internationally despite losing 2 finals, a manager who is well like and looks on course to get us back to the top of the game. The lack of European football will be seen as a bonus for potential buyers as they can come in and be pretty much guaranteed some sort of European qualification over the course of the season. In a few weeks time the bloated squad will be trimmed, there will be less players, less debt (im assuming outgoings will repay some borrowed monies borrowed), the wage bill more manageable and lower and the wages to income ratio at its lowest for a while. Any potential owner would be coming in with a clean slate and the possibility to look like our saviour with minimal investment in players. They can then invest the additional money we could potentially get at the end of the year dependant on whether Europa or Champions league.

In short if I was the owner i would say this is the peak of their plan when the invested and anything else is downhill. All business people look for the point to sell their investment and I believe now is the time. The risks is hey keep hold of us and their investment drops due to poor performance etc.

30 May 2016 09:03:55
Ye i agree with taffy. All i would add thrn is that they deserve full credit for getting the club back on its feet.

30 May 2016 09:38:49
In terms of intent FSG have been excellent owners, bailing us out and coughing up the cash every transfer window, making the club more financially stable etc. Their lack of football knowledge has let them down, and appointing Brendan wasn't the best move, but they are by no means the worse owners we could have. So of course, if they were to sell up it is a bit of a concern. I just really want a financially astute owner who loves the club and understands football.

30 May 2016 09:56:35
It's going to happen at some point, but I disagree that now is the optimum time to sell. When we have won something and are in Europe the club will be worth more. It's whether FSG have the stomach to see it through to that point and how much they are being offered right now.
They have been good owners on the whole. There have been a few issues but I wouldn't want to highlight them as they've been generous with transfer funds, kept out of the limelight most of the time and listened to fans. They're better owners than the majority.

30 May 2016 10:35:19
If FSG do sell, then I believe they deserve every penny of profit they get. They have kept all their promises when they bought the club. They financed daily losses. They backed the manager and the transfer committee in their purchases. They are upgrading Anfield. And they have set the house in order and in a far better condition than when they found it. LFC is consistently in the top 5 of spenders, so there really isn't a need for crazy amounts of spending. I doubt if the buyers had been Chinese or Arabs 4 years ago, we would have spent significantly more. FSG has always put their money where their mouth is. Just some of the decisions did not get the desired results, yet every owner takes that risk, regardless of the league they play in. The owners of PSG and Monaco have spent outrageous amounts on players, but where are the Champions League trophies in their cabinets? Money always helps but it's not a guarantee for success. And if all factors and luck are in your favor, then the Leceister example has shown us you don't need to spend huge amounts.

The one thing that I hope for in new owners is sky high, tremendous ego. The kind of ego that will convince them to support and provide for the club in every way possible. And their benefit being the proud owners of a football club with history and prestige, being on top once again. And I'm willing to bet that we will go further with Arab owners than with Chinese, if we look at the ManC and PSG examples. Those little sheikdoms are tremendously competitive with each other (I was born in the Middle East and now work with several of the royal families), and it can only benefit the club.

30 May 2016 12:34:45
I would guess that, as businessmen, FSG would sell to the highest bidders rather than the most ethical or sustainable business?

30 May 2016 08:40:31
Those who blame FSG are incorrect. Inability of the club, Managers, Tranfer Committe, Scouting teams and average players are the reason they are forced to sell the club. Not sure what more they should do to convince some set of people here. For the money they have spend during the last three years any club on the planet would have won at least one League title except Liverpool.

30 May 2016 17:49:21
They are not "forced to sell the club" Kova, they are just trying to time their exit as effectively as possible.

30 May 2016 20:46:35
Ron.

They would have no problem had the team won anything substantial during the last 4 years. They have lost the TRUST and that's the reality. This club should have reached heights under them. We have bought close to 50 players in their regime which in is term should be a record.

31 May 2016 00:15:08
totally agree kova under them we have reached 2 league cup finals, a f. a. cup final a Europa league final and finished 2nd in the league meaning a season in the champions league, and all we have to show for it is one league cup won on penalties vs Cardiff, they will at least leave anfield with a stadium expansion and a top class manager, shame about the commolli era but nobody's perfect.

31 May 2016 00:15:08
totally agree kova under them we have reached 2 league cup finals, a f. a. cup final a Europa league final and finished 2nd in the league meaning a season in the champions league, and all we have to show for it is one league cup won on penalties vs Cardiff, they will at least leave anfield with a stadium expansion and a top class manager, shame about the commolli era but nobody's perfect.

31 May 2016 06:08:46
All I'm saying Kova is they are not being forced out or forced to sell.
Do you think they had a plan to stay LFC owners forever?
They're a business, they exist primarily to make money. They were always going to leave and it will happen when they think they are getting the best return for their investment.

29 May 2016 20:01:46
Harry, I am working on a genetic bonding experiment where I am looking to use DNA from 3 of your man crushes to create your dream midfielder.

I will call him, Ante Kokévacic.

Will post results later tonight buddy.

30 May 2016 05:24:17
Good. Let me know once you have the final product. Remember he plays as the DLP.

29 May 2016 20:34:44
Hi Eds

After hearing Macca's news on Liverpool being in talks with 2 parties over the sale of the club. Is it safe to say, the two parties would be from the UAE and China? and in your opinion, which would be the best way to go?

Thank you.

{Ed091's Note - imo opinion does it really matter? I just want someone who loves the club, just like fsg do.

29 May 2016 22:04:37
The perfect answer. ed.

29 May 2016 22:10:54
In all seriousness tho ed, fsg are not capable of taking us to the top are they?

{Ed091's Note - only bailed us out of debt. Spent at least £300m on transfer and agent fees. Stopped the club losing 1m a week. Made massive improvements in our commercial business. Brought in managers the fans wanted (klopp, kenny) got £100 m for average players in Torres and sterling. Spent £150m on a new stand. Bar henderson getting a ban an a unfortunate slip and a inept moron manager, would have won us the league.
You are talking out of your arse, again. They've been the best owners the clubs ever had.

29 May 2016 22:11:07
Maybe it's the billionaire one who sits in his tent in Dubai watching Liverpool games and has therapy when we lose, Lol.

29 May 2016 22:26:31
Sorry FSG have done more for the club and kept it close to how LFC family are. Tried to buy the right players right coaches managers. Look totally different sport to they are known to. This season think Klopp will take us closer and finally won the premiership. Sod off these people who want these investers from china or. we have the best owners since the moors family.

29 May 2016 23:32:06
FSG have been brilliant absolutely brilliant, just saying.

29 May 2016 23:40:35
Kurtz is obviously a plot loser, FSG are great owners and let's hope they continue.

29 May 2016 23:52:19
Liking eds091 already, great answer, totally agree.

29 May 2016 23:53:58
Touch of realism here but can anyone tell me of a more unsuccesful period of time under a previous ownership. The facts are that they are every bit responsible as any manager we have had.

{Ed091's Note - that's comparing oranges to lemons. There was no where near as many sugar daddies in the 70/80/90s. That's just one factor...and there's many many more as to why they haven't been as successful as say the 70s and 80s owners.

30 May 2016 01:14:54
Are FSG looking to sell, or are these other parties bidding on an asset they covet? Two entirely different beasts. And if the latter, maybe FSG don't particularly want to sell, but have to listen because, in the end, they're businessmen.

Does anyone know which it is?

{Ed002's Note - This has been dealt with extensively over the past two years.}

30 May 2016 02:23:54
This is nothing new really. Ed002 has said many times in the past, that with the new TV money coming in it could result in FSG deciding to sell up.

30 May 2016 04:17:00
To The Irish Rover, Hicks and Gillette bought the club in Feb 2007 and had it wrested away from them in October 2010 during which time their net investment was £0, they drove Rafa away and won nothing. The left with the club hours from bankruptcy.

There you go, a less successful period of ownership.

30 May 2016 00:28:55
Yes ed91 but you have missed out the 2000's. We have been sliding down the league since Fsg have taken over. Spent a fortune on horrible players due to bad selection of managers. Hiring Kenny because the "fans" wanted him is not the sign of good ownership, its a sign of owners who didn't have a clue about football. Hiring a novice on a dossier and a bit of Irish charm has sent our club back years, meanwhile we get over taken by all and sundry. Millions wasted on players etc etc etc. I don't dispute that they are nice decent people who tried to do the right things but the facts remain they have no clue about football and that has killed us. I would also dispute their love for the club as you say. How many times has John Henry made the trip to watch Lfc over the last 5 years? Liverpool were pure and simple an investment opportunity for him and his crew to make a nice profit. The brought the club at the right time and are now possibly selling at the right time with the big Tv deal coming in.

{Ed001's Note - the time when the prick Moores owned us? You are really trying to call that successful? When it was him that stopped us being able to challenge by refusing to improve the stadium as it would have stopped him being able to dip into club funds to pay for his first class travel and hotel costs? He also refused to buy players for a number of managers, even though the money was there, purely because, again, it would have meant he could not take as much. That is not including him shafting DIC to sell us to G&H to line his own pockets at the expense of the club he pretends to love. With his crocodile tears. No one with a memory of that time could possibly consider that thieving turd to be a better owner than FSG who have consistently invested.}

30 May 2016 11:00:39
Not to mention responding to the fans protests about the ticket prices.

30 May 2016 11:10:47
Irish Rover - You should remember that Kenny Dalglish, the man "the fans" forced onto FSG, had a prior managerial record. Four titles in the First Division and Premier League, two FA Cup wins, four Charity Shield wins and one Scottish League Cup win; all before he was asked to manage LFC once again. To imply that FSG, or the fans, did not have this record in mind and that only his record as a player was considered, is grossly inaccurate.

We're in the digital age. Any football game, at any moment of time, anywhere in the World, can be seen online via the internet. To imply that John Henry had no interest in the team is unfounded. He could easily have been watching every game online, without a need to be physically in the stadium. (You're expecting a 67 year old to cross the Atlantic over to Liverpool every weekend to watch the games? ) .

30 May 2016 12:56:45
Thanks to NBCSN we are able to watch every PL game in the States.

30 May 2016 17:07:56
Usually don't mind what you have to say Irish Rover, but you are talking nonsense. Sounds like typical ignorance to not trust anything "yankee" because this isn't their sport. Have a look at yourself mate.

30 May 2016 18:14:07
FSG may not have got every decision right, but we need to look at the picture in the round. As many other posters an Ed's have menntioned above they've put the club on a much better footing that the shambles in which it was left by H&G. It's easy to criticise, but anyone who's tried to grow a business of any size will know you don't always make the best decisions all of the time, but if you make good decisions most of the time and don't made a major horlicks of anything critical, you'll probably prosper.

My limited experience of working in the middle east is that the Arab ruling class are long term thinkers and planners, and that's what we need. No experience of the Chinese.

29 May 2016 13:22:17
An Irish sports banter website (Bench Warmers) has tweeted and facebooked a photo of Rafa Benitez crying at the Hillsborough memorial with the caption "When the side you were managing 6 months ago wins the UCL and you're preparing for Burton away! ".

I urge you to have a look and express your disgust at this heartless and disrespectful "banter". Some of us never progressed past the stage of neanderthal in our mental development.

29 May 2016 14:51:30
it was just banter.

29 May 2016 15:15:20
Don't give them the attention they want.

29 May 2016 15:18:48
"it was just banter"? No it was offensive

29 May 2016 15:32:49
I'm not sure they want attention Roy, and no doubt don't even know where the photo came from or why Rafa was crying.

29 May 2016 16:00:48
Ja Kurtz - they know damn well what they are doing. Their twitter, facebook and website is full of anti-LFC rhetoric and vitriol disguised as "banter". Just an hour ago, there is a new post making fun of the LFC salute to the fans after the WBA game. And how about, JUST ONCE, you having a look, figuring things out, and writing something that makes sense and proves some sign of intelligence, FOR A CHANGE.

29 May 2016 17:19:20
Ra 1969 it's pointless explaining anything to Kurtz, he is just an armchair fool mate.

29 May 2016 21:35:40
I unsubscribed from benchwarmers months ago as they are very anti Liverpool and its not the first time they have posted something offensive either.

30 May 2016 08:43:17
I'm flabbergasted, bamboozled and completely befuddled. Had no idea a simple call to respect the dead, and to respect those remembering them, would create so much controversy. I guess we all live in different worlds.

29 May 2016 11:59:22
Not sure why people are on about Markovic perhaps being the winger that we need. I like Markovic but he's hardly a John Barnes who who can skip past a player and deliver a deadly cross on a plate. He's a give and go kind of player who is suited more to a number 10 or to cut inside from the flank. I think we do need a different dimension and I would love that to be someone who can gain half a yard, cross a ball and put it on a plate. Looking at Klopps systems perhaps this is going to come from a full back.?

29 May 2016 12:25:02
Im glad someone else came out and said it. I saw absolutely nothing in the games he played for LFC to suggest he was any better than Ibe. I appreciate he was highly thought of before we bought him but i would have expected a few glimpses of genius to suggest why we forked out so much for his signature but he produced less than Milner does on the wing. I would love to be proved wrong but i'm not holding my breath on it.

29 May 2016 12:49:47
Bit harsh, given that when he was played he was played out of position by Bodgers. Cast your mind back to when he destroyed Spurs playing for Benfica. He's had a good season in Turkey (which was a poor loan in any case) .

29 May 2016 13:36:11
He is currently ahead of ibe and ojo which is improvements that we need. I hope both of ibe and ojo get loans to other pl clubs. Wouldn't mind ojo staying with the first team squad but he needs regular game time. Ibe needs time away from the spotlight, to suggest markovic is no better than ibe at the moment is ridiculous. Have you watched him play for fenerbarche?

Anyway it looks like he may be on his way out, but I hope not. I think we need better wingers than ojo and ibe at the moment. I'd like it if markovic was given a chance (I think like many others he would improve under klopp) and another winger/ forward brought in.

29 May 2016 13:44:58
Markovic was brutally bad for us and never passed the ball forward or took anybody on. As a winger he was virtually useless. Maybe he's improved so i'd give him a chance but i wouldn't expect any miracles, not the player we need imo.

29 May 2016 14:11:45
i saw Markovic play some good games plus we don't know how BR had him playing, put it this way a lot of experts in the football field say this lad is going places, it may take a little time but let's give him a chance you never know he just might turn out better than you think plus klopp got all the players playing better so he will do the same for markovic let's then judge the kid.

29 May 2016 14:33:15
Bodgers kept playing him as a wing back.

29 May 2016 15:05:25
I don't know what is the fuss in on Ibe. Clearly not 10 times better than Sterling and how on earth is he better than Markovic.

29 May 2016 20:25:06
I didn't say that I didn't rate Markovic. I said that he's more suited to a 10 or cut inside from the flank. If Klopp sees him good enough to compete there then fantastic but as an out an out winger who can deliver crosses, I don't think so.

29 May 2016 22:29:46
Markovic strikes me as confidence player. Clearly towards the end of his time with LFC, he was down on confidence and so kept taking the safe option. In his earlier games he was much free-er.

31 May 2016 12:31:54
Might Markovic's lack of crosses in whilst with us have something to do with the fact that a) he was at RB most of the time and b) his only target in the box was Raheem Sterling?

29 May 2016 09:29:52
Only keeper I can find claiming not to have lost a shootout is Thomas Sorenson.

29 May 2016 10:07:24
Hi eds, are we showing any interest in ...........

{Ed002's Note - My thoughts are simple that you should ask about random players on the appropriate pages - not on the Liverpool page. It wastes my time.}